Human Movement (Aug 2014)

Effects of L-Arginine Supplementation on Blood Pressure Reduction Pre-, Peri-, and Post-Cardiovascular Stimulus in Hypertensive Subjects with Different Angiotensin-Converting-Enzyme Genotypes

  • Malfatti Carlos Ricardo Maneck,
  • Pavlak João Luiz Lang,
  • da Silva Luiz Augusto,
  • Medeiros Thiago Emannuel,
  • Alonso Katia Cristina,
  • Artoni Roberto Ferreira,
  • Nogaroto Viviane,
  • Túrmina Janaína Angela,
  • Osiecki Ana,
  • Osiecki Raul

DOI
https://doi.org/10.2478/humo-2014-0012
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 15, no. 2
pp. 116 – 119

Abstract

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Purpose. The present study investigated whether L-arginine supplementation reduces blood pressure (BP) in hypertensive subjects with different ACE genotypes. Methods. Eight male hypertensive patients received L-arginine (2 or 4 g/day) or a placebo for a period of 4 days prior an exercise test. Statistical analysis consisted of one-way analysis of variance. Results. L-arginine supplementation induced a statistically significant (p ⋋ 0.05) reduction in systolic BP measured during rest (reductions of 7.8% and 12.3% with 2 and 4 g/day, respectively), exercise (reductions of 11.8% and 10.4% with 2 and 4 g/day, respectively), and recovery (reductions of 11.7% and 10.7% with 2 and 4 g/day, respectively). The observed magnitude of BP reduction suggests an association with ACE polymorphism; a larger effect was seen with the II and DI genotypes compared with the DD genotype (II: 121 mmHg and DI: 133 mmHg vs. DD: 144 mmHg). Conclusions. The results showed that L-arginine supplementation at low doses was efficient in reducing BP and that vasodilator actions that occurred through the secretion of nitric oxide might be ACE genotype dependent.

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